Small groups of Russian troops have pierced parts of Ukraine’s defenses in its eastern Donetsk region, according to local officials, as Russia appears to be making an 11th-hour dash to snatch as much territory as possible ahead of the planned meeting between President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump on Friday.

Russian forces have advanced into eastern Ukraine near Dobropillia, potentially to pressure Kyiv as U.S. and Russian presidents plan a meeting. The advance seeks control over Donetsk, with Ukraine's military actively resisting.